ohmyarceus | NOVEMBER - DECEMBER TEST DRIVE MEME

[Claude freezes for a moment.

Okay, so, Dimitri being unreasonable and intractable - yeah, sure. He'd started to bank on that being a likely possibility just seconds ago, when he realized this Dimitri isn't operating on the same memories as the one he left a month prior. What people know, what they remember from the past, what they feel - those things determine someone's choices in the present. That's logical enough. So a Dimitri who doesn't remember anything after Gronder Field would react very differently from one that does, even without the major personality shift he'd undergone in that time. The refusal to consider what he's saying? Not a surprise.

But what's this about them being dead?]

I'm not lying, Dimitri, although I'll be the first to admit I don't know what is going on here. I can't say for sure that you forgetting things is actually what happened; it's just the only explanation I can think of that fits the facts as I know them, and with what I remember. But hey, there's a whole lot of things going on here I could never have expected and don't understand, so I can't say that's the only possibility there is. It's just the only one I can come up with. Can I really be lying to you if I'm just suggesting that something might be possible? I'm not saying it's definitely true.

More importantly, though... [He eyes Dimitri onscreen.] Where did you get the idea that we're dead? I feel plenty lively, and while you look like a few years' sleep couldn't do you any harm, you still don't look like a corpse to me.

[Anger flares in Sh'ten's chest, and he doesn't do well to hide it. One way or another, this brat will regret making light of his pride; he'll make sure of it.]

I am done merely speaking -- that is your answer.

[He certainly does have a posture that tenses more with each passing moment. Somebody's going a little stir-crazy in Happy Magical Animal Friend Land.]

[It's a good thing that Claude... not so necessarily recants as works the words around in a way that settles Dimitri's bristling. Tension is still heavy on him, visible even on video, and Gremlin the Rattata pauses in his chewing... but he's not hung up or thrown the Gear.]

[That's something.]

[Now that he's gotten over his shock of seeing Claude here, Dimitri becomes a lot more wary at the way Claude is looking at him, and he narrows his eye.]

There is no other explanation.

[Read: there are plenty of explanations but Dimitri thought this one first and now he's not letting go of it.]

Are there no other explanations, or did you just find one you want to believe? [Claude's coming for Dimitri with the hard read there, but...well, there's no other explanation for this, either. Why would Dimitri cling to an idea so obviously nonsensical, so easily disproven(by something as simple as, say, checking one's pulse), so insufficient to cover all the facts? He must have a personal investment in that idea.]

I don't know why you want to believe you're dead, Dimitri, and frankly it makes me worried and upset for you as your friend that you do, but...that is the case, isn't it? You've usually trusted my judgment in the past, and if you didn't want to believe you're dead then I think you'd be happy to explore potential alternate explanations. So...this must be the one you want. And if that's the case...then I think it's all the more important you eliminate all the other possibilities first. Right? Otherwise in your eagerness to believe what you want to believe, you could wind up deluding yourself. And hey, if you're right, and you're sure you're right, then what do you have to worry about? The evidence will bear you out.

Even if you're wrong, though...there are a lot worse things than being alive. As long as we're alive, we can still make a difference in the world. We can still experience new things. So even if you're not one hundred percent convinced you're correct...I don't think you should let that hold you back from looking for an answer. You don't have to be scared of anything you could possibly find.

He doesn't know what those words mean... Is this some kind of reverse isekai, bringing someone from an outdated down to a place with modern technology... It would explain the lack of powers, too...

[The rambling is clearly not intended for Claude, but the microphone on the gear is good enough to pick him up.]

A-ah, I can... Try to explain. Videos are just moving pictures, which are... [There is a very long, shockingly detailed explanation of video and audio recording and streaming and a breakdown on the Gear's camera functionalities. Whoever is on the other line gains more confidence as he speaks, and doesn't really stop to let Claude ask questions.]

And that should be enough for you to know proper video call etiquette.

Be quiet.

[Dimitri snarls, hands digging into his Gear tightly.]

I should have known it was a mistake to speak with you. You are all noise, constantly getting involved in that which does not concern you.

Even if death would be a welcome respite from everything, I should never have died! Not without carrying out the will entrusted to me!

Dimitri...

[Claude's...not actually sure he can fix this. He'd had pretty high hopes with that last appeal - he'd thought it was friendly and encouraging, without even necessarily shooting down Dimitri's delusion so much as encouraging him to determine what the truth is for himself. He'd swear it had all the proper elements, and he feels as though anyone rational - anyone able to be reached by it, rather than too far gone to listen to anything - might've been at least moved by it. Not necessarily convinced; Claude's no miracle worker, he can't sway someone's serious issues (and they're obviously serious here) with just a few words. But Dimitri should have been at least willing to give a little bit of ground, especially for a friend who's genuinely concerned about him and encouraging him to do what's best for himself.

Instead...it seems like the opposite's happened. That it's only made Dimitri more hostile, less trusting - borderline hateful, even. This doesn't even feel a little like the man he knew, and he certainly doesn't seem as though he remembers anything of their friendship back at Garreg Mach. Hell, he almost seems to be reacting as though he'd never liked Claude in the first place.

Had he not? Claude doesn't like entertaining that possibility, but it is possible. Dimitri, in his more stable moments, had always been polite to people and respectful to their stations, often whether he'd necessarily liked them on a personal level or not. And Claude...well, Dimitri had never known him as anything but the heir to the Leicester Alliance, right up until he left. Sure, Claude doesn't think Dimitri could act so well as to fool him(he definitely knows a thing or two about acting), that the man could or would pretend to be friendly with him if he really found him noisy and aggravating and interfering...but at the same time, he has to admit that he doesn't know if Dimitri would have comported himself any differently if he had disliked him. So...as small as it is, there's room for that theory.

Not that it matters much right now, either way. All that matters now is the present.]

If you feel that strongly about it, then...wouldn't it be a good thing to find out you're still alive?

I'm not asking you to take my word for it or anything, you know. I've never been the most trustworthy guy, so I can't blame you if that's something you can't bring yourself to do. But...I've got plenty of reasons to think I'm not dead. And if I'm not, then I don't think you are, either. And I wouldn't be much of a friend if I just let you believe something I don't think is true, without at least - well, laying the case out for you to make your own judgment. Maybe you consider that meddling, but I'd consider anything less negligence.

But I can't make you listen to me, either. This is me trying to look out for a friend, Dimitri, not me trying to force my beliefs down your throat.

[Continuing to describe Dimitri as his friend may be overly optimistic here, Claude thinks. But it's still true on his end, and he'll keep saying it until it isn't.]

Edited 2020-11-15 02:43 (UTC)

[There's a low noise of discontent, of frustration.... but Dimitri doesn't throw the Gear to the side.]

Fighting this won't change anything. Yet you are never satisfied, are you?

[Why, oh why, did they not give him paper and a quill when he arrived here? Claude has so many notes he wishes he could be taking.

That said, he listens attentively to the entire spiel. He'd like to ask questions - he's chock full of questions - but there's no space for them, so he simply waits. Idia has in fact lucked out somewhat; he's found someone who, when given any information at all, absorbs it like a sponge. Unlike a sponge, though, Claude von Riegan has never yet reached his saturation point when it comes to learning new things or gathering valuable intel - of which this entire speech is both.

He doesn't necessarily understand everything that he's being told, of course; that really depends on how many concepts Idia is assuming he knows, how many are getting explained, and of course the fact that Claude's going to need to chew over all this information and really give it a chance to process after this because retention and comprehension aren't synonymous and can happen at very different rates. But he's going to remember a lot more of this than the average person, and he genuinely didn't tune out for any of it.

He does pick out the immediate practicalities as being the most relevant, however, so he gives them his special attention.]

Okay, sooo...this part's the...camera, right? [Claude makes sure his hands aren't blocking it.] And that's the part that lets it...see me, and send out my picture. [His voice is thoughtful, the words coming slowly as he refers back to Idia's infodump, sifting through it for the applicable data.] And I hold it still...and now other people who have devices like this can see and hear me as if they're in the room with me, right?

[Congratulations, Idia! Claude's video quality has massively improved as a result of your efforts.]

I have to say, that was incredibly informative. Can I ask who you are, professor? Since you just gave me such an educational lesson~. [He winks.] I'm Claude, by the way. And grateful, too.

When a friend of mine seems so tired and miserable and angry, it'd be pretty weird if I was satisfied with that. [Claude cocks an eyebrow.] Seriously, though...I hate seeing you like this. If there's anything at all I can do to help, I want to.

[He pauses, uncertain of his next words, but then decides to forge ahead with them anyway.] The Dimitri I remember, whatever those memories may be and however much credit you care to give them...he had a rough time for awhile, too. When I met him at Gronder Field, he was pretty much exactly like you are now. [He chuckles faintly.] And he wouldn't listen to me then, either. But that didn't last forever. When I left Dimitri last...he was the same warm, earnest, noble guy I knew back at Garreg Mach. Even if I tell myself those memories are fake somehow, and it never happened...the fact that I saw it there makes me want to make it real here, too. And I've chased way crazier dreams than just wanting you to be able to smile again.

[Sylvain steps back, studying the man with no small amount of skepticism. It's tempting -- considering the wartorn nature of his home, it's been strange to not be fighting for his life.]

You're what... fifteen? Seems kinda wrong to pick a fight with a kid.

[Oh, he is incredibly thorough. He's met enough people who don't know technology to know when you need to break things down to the most basic of basics. (The Valley of Thorns is a nightmare, and he doesn't know how anyone can stand to live there.)

Also, he is definitely the sort of person who will ramble on about a topic they're an expert in in exhaustive detail. Claude has definitely become the person here he's said the most things to.]

Yes, yes... And that screen will display those responding to you, if they choose to transmit video.

[Which he is still not. If Claude never learns what he looks like, all the better.]

Y-you don't have to call me professor, it's just... B-basic stuff. But, uh. My name is Idia.

[There's a moment of hesitation, as Idia chews it over. It's unlikely this man is familiar with his family, so there's no reason to assume learning his name would tarnish his view of him... And Claude didn't tell him his family name, so it's fine. He doesn't have to know, and he can live in blissful ignorance of the miserable Shroud family.]

[Murkrow, upon seeing Sh'ten's shocked expression, decides that it will be far less bothered if it takes flight again and perches instead on top of a nearby streetlamp. More shiny, less collateral damage.]

Annoying pest! [He now seems to be reaching for a weapon that, of course, isn't there, which only compounds his rage.] You would do well not to insult someone centuries your elder and infinitely your superior!

[Sorry, Sylvain, shorty is about to start a fistfight in the town square.]

I know, I know, I'm just teasing. It just reminded me of being back at school getting lectures from actual professors a bit. I have to say, though, it's honestly impressive for you to have been able to explain so much off the cuff like that! Especially to someone starting with really zero understanding of the subject. Not a lot of people could do that.

Anyway - nice to meet you, Idia! Can I ask why I can't see you? I mean, apparently broadcasting your face along with your voice isn't a mandatory part of the process, but is there a reason to opt out?

[And here's where they're going to hit a snag. Claude was so attentive and such a good learner through all of this because he's absolutely, irrepressibly, ravenously curious. Downright nosy, even. He tries not to be rude about italthough some would question whether he tries hard enough, but he really can't help himself. It's both part of who he is, and part of how he's learned to protect himself - information is power. Information is security. Knowing more than other people do has kept him alive on more than one occasion, and even with questions of personal survival set aside, nothing intrigues Claude more than a secret.

Idia may have, in some manner and by some estimations, made something vaguely resembling a mistake. At least if he wants to keep any secrets at all.]

I was just wondering the same thing...

[She frowns. Everyone had only just gotten back together. To suddenly be taken away from them again... Marianne doesn't like it in the slightest, nope.]

Maybe we should wait for a while... Some of the others might show up and, um, we could gather information while we wait.

I guess it couldn't hurt!

[There is a brief, pregnant pause.]

By the way, your foal there has...definitely the most colorful mane I've ever seen. And tail. Very fluffy, too.

[Look, it's adorable and Claude doesn't mind the color scheme at all, he just has Questions.]

Edited (OH SHIT I JUST REMEMBERED IT'S A GALARIAN PONYTA NOT VANILLA) 2020-11-15 04:11 (UTC)

[A. New Bark Town]

[The last thing Ashe remembered he was getting ready for another battle when he woke up in this strange new place with a friend and a kind woman telling him it was time for him to venture out and see the world. Ashe didn't have the heart to tell the woman that a war was currently going on. Instead he prepared lunch while the woman prepared his bookbag. Once he had everything she wished him good luck on his journey, hugged him, then gently ushered him out of the house.

He walked down to the nearest bench and looked over at his new friend.]

Well, it looks like I'm here, until I can get back home. [He slowly reached over and rubbed his new friend's head. He smiled when Eevee nuzzled into his hand with a happy mewl. Ashe rubbed Eevee for a little while longer before he reached in the bookbag and pulled out the guide for this new world he ended up in.]

So, this place is called New Bark Town. It's a very nice place, I wouldn't mind coming back here one day, but let's see it mentions here that there's something called a Pokemon Center nearby, so let's go there first. [Ashe placed the book back in his bag then got off the bench and gestured for Eevee to do the same.]

Maybe I can think of a nickname for you too. [While he had no idea where he ended up at least it was peaceful.]

[B. Network]

[Ashe played with the new device while Eevee ran around with some of the wild Pokemon in the field in front of him. Thankfully, there was a nice person in the Pokemon Center who showed him how to do it. Once he got it to work he slowly typed.]

Hi there, I was wondering if anyone knew what should a Pokemon eat? The nurse told me that I have an Eevee and that I can get food for them, but I don't know what to get. Should I go back to ask the nurse?

[The nurse was very nice it was still new having an Eevee that he had to take care of. He wanted to be able to do a good job.]

[C. Wildcard]

[Pick something for Ashe to do! He's a great cook so he can cook something for you or ask questions about his Pokemon or even travel with you I'm up for it! Anything you want to try PM me!]

[...So it's like that.]

[Some of the anger Dimitri had been holding onto simmers away, and he cannot look at the Gear any longer. Claude... would not be the first person to want him to have returned to a certain way. To want the prince he had acted so well instead of the monster that he actually is.]

...That Dimitri... died a long time ago.

It would have been better if the husk that had been left behind joined him far sooner.

[No one has really told Dimitri how to do text. No one has really told him how to read the caller ID.]

[Still. He's trying his best.]

to who it may concern,

our companions in this place seem to eat whatever it is that we at with no concern.

i believe they are your soul, so sharing in food cannot go wrong.

[dimitri no]

Oh! I would appreciate that very much, thank you. Pokemon are... quite different from the animals I'm used to, in ways, so any advice would be helpful.

He's not gone. What's more, he's still you. [Claude's voice is firm.] The Dimitri I was talking about...I only talked about him as someone separate from you because, well, I remember him doing things you don't remember, so it would be weird to treat you as though you're the same Dimitri with the same experiences. But the Dimitri I knew back at Garreg Mach, and who you are now - those are still the same Dimitri. You. And every good quality you had back at Garreg Mach, you've still got now. They're just...buried under how angry and miserable you are.

And not every buried thing is dead, Dimitri. Some things can be unearthed as good as new. I may not be able to fix everything that's upsetting you, but I have to at least be able to find ways for you to be happy again sometimes, too. That wasn't impossible when we were younger, so how far-fetched could it be now?

[Zuke just knew what it was like to feel like you didn't have much, and how that small kindness could mean a lot.

Zuke was making enough bank, and he was a humble enough person. His breeding of Pokemon just started, but he was a musician by trade and it was something he was resourceful in doing. So, a little extra money, a little extra leeway.]

Getting ready to stock up after I was done here. Might as well make the drumming for something.

[Still though, this must've been a lot for someone who looked new...and confused.]

Name's Zuke. Haven't seen your face around.

My little guy eats anything.

[A gentle looking man smirked at his Grookey who just really loved seeing new faces. In all seriousness, he cleared his throat. There was friendliness in his voice but a small hint of professionalism too]

Really though, I'm taking a guess you got regular animals where you live? It's kind of like that. Eevees are omnivores.

Negative, disregard that, pokémon are definitely NOT your soul. My soul wouldn't be so cruel as to paralyze my hand for petting it.

I mean, you should definitely take care of your little buddy anyway! But again: definitely not souls. My soul being literal poison has unpleasant implications I refuse to entertain.

There’s a lot of people who use magic over tech... K-knowing how to explain things is necessary. That’s all. Really, a lot of this is stuff most people back home know...

[It’s not a big deal, okay, don’t act like it is. That’s embarrassing!

...Not as embarrassing as being asked why he’s not showing his face. Why is it such a big deal, anyways, it’s not like his face is that important or that good to look at. It’s just a face! An awful, pale, gaunt face. Not nearly as handsome as Claude’s face.]

W-well... Uh. It’s, just not necessary. For the conversation. That’s all there is to it.

[He’s hoping that’s a good enough answer, but there’s a sinking feeling in his gut that he’s not going to be so lucky. He seems the nosy type. And the friendly type. Ugh.]

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER TEST DRIVE MEME

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suicidal ideation tw

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when u take away ur supervillain's demonic powers 😔

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Ashe Ubert | Fire Emblem Three Houses | OTA

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B

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b

Someone has figured out texting, probably thanks to Idia

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